Opinion: The Average American Auto is About to Get Smaller

A new shift in U.S. vehicle buying may be underway, with data suggesting the “average American auto” could get smaller after decades of growth. The piece points to how size and pricing changed together: a 1990 Honda Civic sedan is reportedly over 16 inches shorter and 4 inches narrower than today’s version, while modern models include more standard features that pushed MSRPs higher. The average new-vehicle transaction price in 2026 is estimated at about $50,600—roughly double 2006—helping drive some shoppers toward smaller classes. It cites Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book, alongside high auto-debt levels.